didn’t even know if Russell still lived. He’d been so wrapped up in getting this kidnap done and proposing to Freya, he’d lost his edge.
Well, he’d rectify that now. No matter what, the baron would not lay his hands on either woman.
“I suggest you move, my lord. I do not want to fire upon you, but I will do what I must to protect my property.” Pembroke motioned with his gun.
“If you really wished to protect your property, you would not harm her in the first place.”
Pembroke bared his teeth. “I am well within my rights to do what I must to discipline her.” His gaze narrowed. “Do not tell me you are one of those men who think women should be left unchecked?”
“Unchecked and untouched.”
The baron made a disgusted sound. “You might think that my wife would come running back into your arms with your soft words, but I know her. I know what she needs.” He gestured with the weapon again. “Now step aside.”
“Pembroke, you are in my home, aiming a weapon at a peer of the realm. This will not end well for you.”
“I’m protecting my property. Property that it seems you have been touching.”
Guy shook his head, easing both palms up. “I told you, I have no interest in your wife.”
“No man would go to such lengths to get to her otherwise.”
“We can do this like gentlemen,” Guy suggested. “A duel.”
He snorted. “So you can warm my wife’s bed when I’m gone. Not likely.” He lifted the pistol. “You cannot say I didn’t warn you.”
Guy tensed his every muscle. All he needed to do was live long enough for Freya to escape. She knew London well enough. They could hide out for a while and the others would help them.
If they were not all harmed, that was.
If anything had happened to them, he’d never forgive himself. Though, he might not live long enough to be able to regret it.
Movement from by the door caught his eye. A brow lifted, he watched Brown peel himself up from the floor with his usual elegance and calmness. “May I take your coats?” he offered.
Guy almost allowed himself a grin when the baron’s attention flitted to Brown. It was all he needed. Guy whipped the pistol away and it skittered across the tiled floor.
Pembroke cursed and scrabbled to retrieve it, but Brown kicked it nonchalantly under the gilded cabinet.
When Pembroke straightened, he gestured to his men. “Grab him.” He thrust a finger at Brown. “And him.” He motioned to Guy. “Keep them restrained until I find my wife!”
Guy blocked Pembroke’s escape upstairs while Brown ducked being grabbed by one of the men and slipped around another. The tiny man darted between them like a rabbit escaping a hunt. Guy had to wonder where the man had learned such skills. If they survived this, he had some questions for his butler.
“You’re not having her,” Guy said, his jaw set.
“Move, damn it,” Pembroke spat at him.
The two other men came at Guy from either side. The baron inclined his head and Guy ducked the first punch, then blocked a second, responding with one of his own. His knuckles throbbed when his fist met solid jaw and the man gave a grunt, spilling back.
The redheaded fellow stepped forward and grabbed first one arm, then the other. He hauled Guy’s arms behind his back and a fist ploughed toward his gut—revenge for the hit on the jaw it seemed. Pain spasmed through him, air being forced from his lungs. He tried to gulp down a breath and break free, but Pembroke pushed past their fight and took the steps two at a time until he vanished from Guy’s sight.
He eyed the two men and spied the red mark appearing on the jaw of the man he struck. Brown avoided the third man by dodging back once more.
Guy twisted in the hold, his shoulder joints screaming in pain. He didn’t have time for this. He clenched his teeth, relaxed for just a moment then surged forward, barreling into the man in front of him and taking the man holding him captive with him. They all fell to the floor and the grip on his arms loosened. Guy clawed his way to his feet, striking out at anyone or anything in his way until free.
When he rose to his feet, the third man stepped forward.
A crash echoed about the room. Shards of pottery rained down around the man’s shoulders. His eyes rolled upward, and he collapsed